Barrhaven Catholic elementary school first in Ottawa to shut down due to COVID-19

A Catholic elementary school in Barrhaven has been ordered to shut down for at least two weeks due to reported cases of COVID-19. 

Monsignor Paul Baxter School on Beatrice Drive will be closed on Monday after cases of the virus were reported.

“We are working closely with Ottawa Public Health (OPH) and are following their direction and guidance,” Sharlene Hunter, manager of communications for the Ottawa Catholic School Board. “OPH has already notified close contacts and will provide further instructions, including how and when to get tested for COVID-19 and what other actions to take. OPH has also issued a letter via the school to all Monsignor Paul Baxter parents, guardians and school staff advising them of the positive test results.”

The school will remain closed for about 14 days. 

This is the first school in Ottawa ordered to close because of COVID-19. 

No further details about the individuals who tested positive will be shared to protect their personal health information, the board says. 

According to the Ontario government, the latest numbers as of Friday show that there are 72 total cases of the virus in Ontario schools, 25 of which are student cases and 22 that are staff related. The remaining 25 cases are listed as “individuals not identified.”

The numbers also show that there are 60 schools with a reported case province-wide, one of which has been ordered to close. 

Numbers from the government will be updated Monday morning.

– With files from Dani-Elle Dubé